Stair tread



Jan. 20, 1931.'

E. L. LOUDENSLAGER STAIR TREAD Fi led Nov..

Patented Jan; 20, 1931 UNITED STATES.

PATENT OFFICE."

EDGAR L. LOUDENSLAGER, or TOLEDO, OHIO, AssIGnoR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,- or ONE-HALF 'ro ARTHUR J. HOSLER, or TOLEDO. 01110 STAIR TBEAID I Application filed November 17, 1928. Serial No; 320,201.

This invention relates to floor covering sections as complete units for major show and major wear portion ready variation and replenishment.

' This invention has utility when incorporated in stair tread .units for resultant tread framing base with the tread general wear face adapted for ready selective design, and such harmony as to color and character as 0 may be desired with ready facility for replacement as worn.

Referring to the drawings: I A

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a portion of a flight of stairs having an embodiment of the invention incorporated as treads therefor;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a tread framing imit, portions of the filler and its anchor be ing broken away;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line Illl-lIL Fig.

2; and I Fig. 4: is a section on the line IVIV,

Flight of stairs is shown as having risers 1 and tread bases 2. Disposed on these tread bases is a unit herein shown as of a flexible material such as rubber and molded to form, involving intermediate relatively thin diaphragm or cushion region 3 bounded by out- 0 wardly beveled rear frame side 4 and outwardly beveled frame sides 5., 6. These frame sides 5', 6, are connected by forward frame side 7 having downwardly-curved treadbase engaging gripping extension 8.- p

In practice, these tread frame units may be cemented or anchored along the frame side i by screws or tacks 9 driven into the tread base 2, thus eifectively holding the unit against lateral shifting, while the extension 8, as hanging forward, may snugly fit over the overhang from the tread base Upon this thin sheet or diaphragm 8 within the framing 4t, 5, 6, 7, may be smeared an adhesive 10, preferably one which may maintain some flexibility "when dry, as a heavy body linoleum cement. Withthis flexible adhesive 10 thus spnead' filler or tread proper ll previeusly cut to just fit in the frame is placed 59 frame -.The or ter in the filler 11 is such that a .fills thefull frame and may even project under the overhang portions of the frame 4, 5,6, 7, to thereby provide flush joint 12 therewith. This filler 11 is preferably a material which is not rigid. It may be 'a print or inlaid linoleum of a selected design to be in harmony with the wall decorations or stair way or other matters as to which harmony is desired. While such adaptations may beon-e followed for back stairs or apartments, for front stairs or hotels the filler 11 may be of warp and woof provided carpet with or without nap so that there may be harmonious selection even as to highgrade rugsor other types of floor coverings at either end of the flight of the stairs. I

In practice, the treads of the stairs receive the greatest usage and are the major portions shown as in the region within the framing. This region as thus subjected to the arduous wear may have thematerial selected to resist such wear. However, in the event there is a passing of the appearance as desired, due to the failure to resist the character of wear to which it is subjected, the framing need not be discarded but the filler 11 may be removed therefrom for replacement or to be in harmony with such change sought'in the refinishing of the treads...

In the initial manufacture, some pressure is applied to the filler to hold it in position until the cement has set therewith. Accordingly, if the replacement be made on the stairs without removin the framing, it is important to have the ffller held in position against curling loose until the cement has set therefor.

With the framing in use on the flight in a home, cleaning of its uppersurface may be readily e fected while accumulation of material thereunder may be prevented by merely lifting the overhanging extension 8 and thus flexing the frame with its filler back to allow sweeping or other dusting thereunder.

What is claimed and it is desired to secure by "United States Letters Patent is:

. A. cushion tread for supporting a floor 'ing comprising a thin ll dia say

. a u p T in. said, base navmg a tliflilieiled 1m" tegral flexible'periphery forming a marginal frame therefor said framehaving its inner side tapering outwardly and downwardlg' toward the base from the inner edge thereo and-a filler section mounted on said base flush with and framed by said thickened periphery. 2. A cushion tread for a step comprising a thin resilientdiaphragm base, said base having a thickened integral periphery forming a marginal frame therefor and flexible therewith, said frame having its inner side tapering outwardly and downwardly toward the base from the inner edge thereof, a filler 15 section mounted on said base flush with and framed by said thickened periphery, and anchoring means for one edge of the tread leaving the base and frame with the filler therein free to swing clear of the step on }which mounted with said anchored edge as a in e. 3 A cushion tread for a step comprising a thin resilient diaphragm base, said base having a thickened integral periphery forming a marginal frame, means anchoring one edge ofthe tread to a step, said frame on the edge of the tread opposite the anchored edge com-' prising a downwardly-curved step-edge gripping extension, said base and frame being flexible throughout, and a filler. section mounted on said base to have its edges abut the inner side of said frame. In witness whereof I affix my si nature.

EDGAR L. LOUDENS AGER. 

